Posts tagged “Rap”

From funk lords like Bootsy Collins to hard-nosed sports figures like Pete Rose, Cincinnati has birthed some of the most remembered names in American culture. Do not be surprised when you see ‘Nati-bred rapper Street Lotto name added to the city’s impressive lineage.

Reared in the city’s Avondale (A-1) section, Street Lotto grew up surrounded by Hip-Hop and self-expression both directly and indirectly. Without a successful local rap musician to look to, Street Lotto was instantly inspired by nationally recognized artist, such as Snoop Dogg, Scarface, Jay Z, Biggie Smalls, Nas, 50 Cent and Eminem. In hindsight, Lotto now credits his father as a major influence. Since his father’s passing, Lotto started collecting his father’s journals and self-composed poetry. “My father was a lover of books and poetry. He kept a journal since he was a teenager. He was a definite influence in my rap career,” expresses Lotto.

Recognizing that there was little to no musical opportunities in Cincinnati, Lotto relocated to Atlanta Georgia and immediately started networking, grinding and making connections that would to lead to working with the rap’s world elite. In addition, Lotto had an invitation to travel to Los Angeles to work with Dogg Pound’s Daz Dillinger. As a result of his experiences in Cincinnati, Atlanta and Los Angeles, Street Lotto has developed a style that reminds you of both the struggles and victories in life.

Lotto is rhyming about enjoying the rewards of his hard work on the Dee Jay Dana produced cut “Grown Man.” Also, he displaying his unique swagger on the street heater “Dogg Headz”, which features West Coast veteran Dogg Pound member Daz Dillinger. “Dogg Headz was featured on Street Lotto’s 2010 debut LP, “Game & Fortune.” His debut album received rave reviews since it’s internet release. With the sign of approval by WDJP’s own DJ TRUUF, “Game and Fortune” hit the net with over 18,000 downloads with no promotion. The album featured appearances by 98 degrees band member Jeff Timmons for the track “As far As Eyes Can See,” R&B crooner Jarvis on “Why Wouldn’t I” and ” She’s A Winner.” In addition, Lotto is currently endorsed by ZOOZBEAT, the COCA COLA sponsored application for Apple’s Iphone.

Lotto continues his hard work in 2011 with his current music. “I am recording new music for my fans and to stay relevant in this changing music business. I’m originally from the midwest therefore, it’s only natural that I make music for people across the board to reach the masses, Hip-Hop is here to stay,” exclaims Lotto.

A-Block is the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Black City Hustla Records LLC and also is a musician based out of Germany. While growing up, music has always been apart of his life and will always be in it. His rap career was set to start, when he was rapping to one of his favorite songs, and a random guy attention was caught by A-Block’s skills. He told A-Block that his delivery was so great, that he should become a rapper. A-Block questioned himself and felt so confident that he started his journey to become one of the best musicians to come out of the Germany area.

Around late 2007, A-Block was on Myspace listening to songs and also networking with a few artist. He ran into another musician by the name of Joshua Davis (Tony Tone Montana). Him and Tony Tone talked for hours and formed a tight friendship, which led him a position in Black City Hustla Records LLC.

A-Block is on a mission for success and will not let nothing come in his way to get it. What sets him apart from other musicians, is that he brings not only his story to the game but also tell stories that his fans can relate. The songs that he produces, not only influences others to the point where they cry, but also to where they think that they are the ones who are spitting the lyrics. He also shows his sense of humor and is not afraid to show or tell what he is feeling. He writes music to express his feelings, in a positive way, instead of committing crimes.

In conclusion, A-Block hopes that his songs can help others, whenever they are feeling down, to let them know they’re not alone. He encourages everyone to be true to themselves and also if they have a dream, make them come to reality.

Dynomite Kid has been making a huge impact on the music scene in the south. His catchy records, passion and talent all make for an interesting artist. Although his music is nothing less than amazing, the man behind the beat is even more so.

Although you may know him as Dynomite Kid, his family and friends know him as “L-Jay”. Lajers Wheeler’s life began in Mullins, SC on September 1,1983. His childhood was complex. In the small town of Mullins where everybody knows everybody, his father was the main attraction. Although he was giving his family the good life by means of hustling, there were secrets inside their household. Lajers had a great father, but he was not a good husband. Infidelity and physical abuse got the best of his parents relationship. After the split of his mother and father at age 6, Lajers and his siblings moved to Hunstville, Alabama. Their now single mother was struggling to make ends meet, working 2-3 jobs at a time. Lajers and his small family bounced around from one project housing to the next. Although his life was crazy this obviously inspired Lajers because at the ripe age of 12, he began writing.

Throughout the years of trials and tribulations he learned that writing turned into more of a coping mechanism to release the stressors of daily life. Writing gave him a sense of freedom that he could not find anywhere else; a sense of sanity. Although this was an outlet, the stress was too much for this young dreamer. Between the divorce, moving, lack of financial support and dismissive father, by the age of 15 he was kicked out of the house, school and landed himself in prison by 17.

Although being sent to prison was a volatile time in his life, it did not stop him from getting knocked with another 3 year sentence just shortly after. During his time in prison he learned that all of his “mingling on the streets” was not worth it. Through family deaths and friends losing their lives, he had a bit of a wake up call. Even when everyone around him didn’t believe in him, his grandmother did. She never judged him for his past, all she wanted was for him to be successful and happy. Lajers used this as motivation to make it. Now that his grandmother is gone, he always remembers her inspiring words.

Music was always calling his name throughout those turbulent years. Dynomite Kid’s story is truly a testament to any young boy who is trying to follow their dreams.

Through his music, he wants to show the world that you can do what he did. “If you are still here today and you’ve been through anything, you can change and make a difference. Shake it off. I’m a criminal, it’s hard to get a job, I’m a felon, I know. It’s hard to do anything unless you make it yourself”, He says. He hopes that by sharing his story with young dreamers like he once was, that they can steer away from making mistakes ahead of time. “Being a thug is not what’s cool anymore”, he says. He has been through it, he knows where you have been and he knows how to get you out of it.

Throughout all of his struggles , successes and failures he has learned that life is too short and is now on a hell-bent mission to make it. With inspirations such as Wu-Tang Clan, Billy Ocean, Cameo and KRS One, you know his music has got to be a mix of greatness. Everything in his life from his children to his fans drives him to keep making great records. He will continue to use his music to inspire the ones who were alone just as he was at one time. Hopefully you can use Dynomite Kid’s music as your outlet.

Dynomite Kid has been making a huge impact on the music scene in the south. His catchy records, passion and talent all make for an interesting artist.

Born and raised in Long Island, New York where many hip hop pioneers have begun, has highly influenced my love of music. My stage name is Young Ray, and I have been in the music industry for five years so far, learning and obtaining knowledge to better myself with my career.

I began listening to “50 Cent”, “Eminem”, ”Young Jeezy”, and “Pretty Ricky”. Quickly inspired I began writing ideas down and working with making words rhyme. People then saw what my admiration was in life and turned away from me and hated the fact that I wanted to pursue music. I turned to music and writing as a way to fully express the emotions I felt. Writing poetry allowed me to show people what I am capable of doing and doing it in a positive way. Many people said what they felt with their negative opinions towards my decisions, but I didn’t allow it to bring me down. It actually gave me more motivation and more positive energy to prove everyone wrong.

When I graduated high school, I took my music to the next level. I began linking up with local artists feeling out new flows and learning new ways to approach the microphone. I then met B Divine, a producer, DJ, artist, and hip hop enthusiast. B Divine and I met at a local recording studio, and began working together each complimenting the other with our individual style of music. He introduced me on to the old school hip hop culture and opened me up to a new way of thinking. It was then that I began to collaborate with many artists of all different styles including hip hop legend, Tragedy Khadafi. I am featured on the mixtape from DJ Modesty overseas in France as well as a number of other mixtapes and have been featured on various radio shows throughout the U.S. I have been dedicating all of my time to writing, recording, and performing in order to pursue this dream, music has quickly become my life.

Since day one the progress has been nonstop, the learning experiences have boosted my ability to educate myself with a better knowledge of how to take on everyday obstacles in my life. Not only have I built a stronger mentality, but I have helped the few that stand strong by my side. I hope that in the future, I can reach out and help everyone that was once in my shoes. Let’s see where this path leads me.

Born Dante’ Griffin in the inner-city of Cincinnati, OH. Being raised in a single parent household by his mother like most he became a product of his environment. His involvement in the “street life” came at an early age when he had to fend for himself. At the age of 16 he began selling drugs and committing robberies to make ends meet. Although he had a wonderful talent he never took it serious until his older brother caught wind of the foolish things he was doing. Afraid that his little brother would end up dead or in jail he became more involved in showing him a way out. Realizing that he could utilize his god given talent that was passed down from his father to make a better life for him and his family he began to take it all in and became very serious about a career in the music industry. Although he was still involved in the street life he wasn’t as deep as once before. He soon became a house hold name emerging from the rap battle circuit in Cincinnati. He then went to battle and win against the national artist “THE GAME” in hopes of a recording contract with “THE GAME” but it was nothing but broken promises. Frustrated he embarked on a journey that would give him national attention against “THE GAME”. He soon was on the local radio one station 100.9 the wiz (now known as 101.1 the wiz) with hits such as “GO HARD OR GO HOME” “CINCINNATI HAT” and “STAND YA GROUND”. He began to open up for every major artist in every major club that would come into town to perform from SCARFACE, DTP, 50 CENT, G-UNIT, JADAKISS, THE LOX, LIL SCRAPY, SHAWTY LO, YOUNG JEEZY, GUCCIE MANE, and RICK ROSS. That soon got him the attention of the powerful Cincinnati based record label GARNETT entertainment owned by ALEX GARNETT. That led to his most powerful hit “CHEVY SITTIN LIKE A MONSTER” which caused him to perform at “U.S BANK ARENA” with the likes of YOUNG JEEZY, LIL WAYNE, JIM JONES, and FAT JOE. Once propositioned to sign with YOUNG JEEZY’s C.T.E and ATLANTIC records it all came to a screeching stop once ALEX GARNETT became incarcerated on federal drug trafficking and king pen charges. Trying to stay on top and make his own path the streets found him once again. Losing faith in a recording contract he also lost his cousin and best friend Chauncey Yarbrough to murder charges. As a promise to him

he vowed to never stop until he reaches his goal and even then to keep pushing “I’ve came from nothing and made it too far to stop now” he says “It’s meant to be and no one can stop me but me, sometimes you have to start over to move forward”. With his new WE ON DECK movement formally A.B.G he proves nothing can stop you but you. He is a Cincinnati legend, he is SHOWTIME.

Raw aggression and energy describes the lyrical talent of Cincinnati-born rapper, Rome. Born December 8, 1987, Rome (born Roman Hill) grew up playing sports, fighting, and of course rapping. He is destined to be the first rap phenomenon to come out of the city of Cincinnati (Ohio).

Rome grew up in a single-parent home in various parts sections of Cincinnati (mainly Uptown) with his younger brother and mother. Rome has been rapping as long as anyone can remember starting from battling and free styling at school and has been fueled by various situations in his life. Known for a short temper and aggressive behaviors, Rome has never shied away from conflict, which has helped fuel, his rap career.

Following high school graduation, Rome was awarded a full-ride scholarship to play basketball, which was deterred by a 3-year prison sentence. After his release in 2010 on February 14thfrom his 3-year sentence, he was given a second chance and granted his scholarship and went on to win MVP his 1st season playing college basketball. Shortly after Rome got home from prison, his younger brother Dominique was slapped with a 4-year sentence that he is currently serving.

Dominique’s jail sentence only added fuel to Rome’s fire and hunger to make an impact on the rap game. Since returning home, Rome has released 2 mixtapes; “Behind Bars” and “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day”, that have his city going crazy and he is currently working on 2 new mixtapes; “Behind Bars 2” and “Road to Rome . Rome also participated in the “loud pack tour” performing in cities all throughout Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and south carolina. Full of potential and ambition follow Rome , for his work ethic alone will gain your attention and transform you into a “Rome fan” if not already a fan.

Rome has been on a hot streak, including an undefeated rap battle record and a slew of videos from his latest project, “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day”, which all have thousands of views. Rome’s sight is now set on a major rap deal and he won’t settle for less. Follow him on the “Road To Rome”

TREMENDOUS THE GREAT ONE BORN AND RAISED IN THE BELLY OF THE BEAST THE BRONX TREMENDOUS SET OUT TO MAKE A NAME 4 HIM SELF AND TAKE THE RAP GAME TO A NOTHER LEVEL GROWING UP IN A CITY WHERE LEGENDS WERE BORN HE WOULD WATCH AND LISTEN BEING SCHOOLED TO THE GAME IN HIP HOP HE VOWED TO MAKE IS MARK AND LIVE UP 2 HIS TREMENDOUS NAME…

Rumors have been circulating on Twitter and the Internet for the past few weeks that Trinidad James signed a $2 million contract with Def Jam. Now, Billboard has confirmed that the buzzy rapper has in fact inked a deal with the label.

“Def Jam, thank you for believing,” said James. Def Jam President Joie Manda added, “We’re excited to welcome a young talent like Trinidad James to the Def Jam family. … Def Jam prides itself as both a cornerstone of hip-hop’s rich tradition, and as a vital, forward-thinking label dedicated to breaking and nurturing emerging artists. Trinidad James represents the cutting-edge of what’s happening in the culture today. We are thrilled to have him at the label, and look forward to growing his already massive buzz.”

The Atlanta, Georgia emcee has been on the rise over the past few months thanks to his breakout single “All Gold Everything.” Over on YouTube, the video has clocked more than 3.1 million views.

James recently performed at New York City, New York’s Santos Party House for a sold-out crowd that included executives from Def Jam and Atlantic Records.

Lil Wayne is collaborating once more with 2 Chainz, this time for the lead single off his upcoming album I Am Not a Human Being II.

According to HHNM, Weezy and Tity Boi duet on the track “Rich as Fuck.” The video, directed by Parris, will begin shooting in the next few days.

The YMCMB chief recently announced that I Am Not a Human Being II will release on February 19, 2013 with a tour to follow. He also revealed in an interview that he’ll hang up the mic following the release of Tha Carter V.

“I know y’all want me around for a little bit, [but] Tha Carter V is my last album,” he revealed. “I’ve been rapping since I was 8 years old; I’m 30 now. That’s a long time, and I like to do so many more things, and when I like to do something, I end up loving to do it real quick. And I love to do something, I’m fully focused on it and it only, and music sometimes is not that ‘it.'”

Policeman in Chicago, Illinois are searching for people who hung posters advertising Chief Keef’s “Finally Rich.”

Policeman in Chicago, Illinois are seeking to issue citations to individuals who are hanging up posters advertising Chief Keef’s Finally Rich around his Englewood neighborhood.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, people have been putting up advertisements for the young rapper’s debut, releasing December 18th. Chicago Police union Vice President Daniel Gorman described the acts as a “smack in the face” to police officers.

“It seems as if he’s being hailed a hero,” he said. “But it’s a smack in the face to the police officers who are serving the citizens of those communities.”

Chicago Police Commander Kevin Ryan noted that this isn’t a personal attack on Keef, who is currently on probation for pointing a gun at a policeman. “We used to do this when I was commander in [a downtown] district,” he explained.

Keef’s manager, Rovan “Dro” Manuel, disagreed, stating that this is in fact an issue with the rapper. “I don’t think it’s fair,” he said. “If they [don’t] do that with Britney Spears, Madonna, the Goo Goo Dolls, why do they have to do that to us?

“I think they’re targeting Chief Keef a little bit for more reasons than one,” he continued. “He’s a spokesperson for Englewood, they had problems way before Chief Keef. When something bad happens they want to put it all on him.”